Title:  General Librarian or General Librarian Trainee - Multiple Locations

Job Description

General Librarian Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Community Library Manager (ACLM), the General Librarian works as part of a Community Library team to welcome and engage all customers in the Library's services, collections, and programs. Supports the Library's mission, values and overall Strategic Plan.

• Performs excellent internal and external customer service and library service in response to the information needs of the Library's users and the overall community.
• Provides reference, referrals and Readers' Advisory services for all age groups. Assists customers in the use of print and electronic resources. Answers correspondence and inquiries on special reference subjects. Conducts reference interviews.
• Conducts training sessions for the public in the use of the library Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), the internet and various databases.
• Recommends and refers customers to alternative sources of information, both internal and external to the Library.
• Processes reserves and inter loan requests.
• Assists with circulation, and fines and fees as necessary.
• Monitors the public service floor and engages customers.
• Performs collection development with an emphasis on developing quality materials, including selecting and ordering materials. Evaluates and processes book donations.
• Determines the usage patterns of collections by assessing the frequency of circulation, the physical condition of materials and other criteria. Weeds materials according to standard library de-selection criteria.
• Ensures that collections are current and meets the public's needs.
• Ensures that specialized collections reflect the subject matter knowledge and use of specialized bibliographies.
• Ensures that discards, recommendations and orders for collection development are relevant.
• Submits clear and informative reviews on schedule.
• Ensures that collections are regularly weeded and kept in good condition.
• Ensures that collections are merchandized according to Library guidelines, as applicable.
• Collaborates with the ACLM and the Programs and Services Department to develop, deliver and evaluate a variety of innovative programs that meet the community's evolving needs, such as book discussions, author talks, technology classes, and arts and wellness activities.
• Performs outreach to community organizations informing them of the Library's services and to develop partnerships for collaboration.
• Promotes print and virtual library collections, programs and services to the public.
• Acts as a resource in training and knowledge development to team members.
• Creates opportunities for all customers to contribute to the Library through venues such as volunteering, social media postings, blogs, book clubs, etc.
• May contribute content for social media platforms, such as Library blogs, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
• May perform one or more of the following duties: compile bibliographies and develop library user guides both in print and electronic formats.
• Submits incident reports as directed.
• Participates in trainings as required.
• In the absence of the Community Library Manager and Assistant Community Library Manager, may serve as the Librarian in charge, which includes serving as a primary contact for customer issues/conflict resolution and escalating issues to supervisor when necessary, and performing other supervisory duties.
• May volunteer to supervise hourly rates and volunteers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Major Responsibilities

General Librarian Trainee Responsibilities

*Appointment to Trainee position will be based upon education credentials. *

Under the guidance and mentoring of the General Librarian, the General Librarian Trainee assists the General Librarian with providing high quality programs and library services to customers. Participates in outreach and with maintaining and developing collections based on community needs and interests. The General Librarian Trainee reports to the Assistant Community Library Manager. This position is intended for students wishing to gain experience in librarianship and information work while obtaining a Master's Degree in Library Science or Library Information Science and have completed at least 9 credits.

• Performs excellent internal and external customer service and library service in response to the information needs of library users and the overall community.
• Under the direction and guidance of the General Librarian, assists with programming, readers' guidance and reference services.
• Assists customers with the use of print and electronic resources. Recommends and refers customers to alternative sources of information (internal and external to the Library).
• Assists in maintaining a pleasant, inviting, safe environment.
• May perform one or more of the following duties: investigates technologies that will improve services; creates, develops, maintains, or contributes to the community library web page and social media, compiles bibliographies and/or develops library user guides.
• Promotes library collections and services to the public.
• Performs reference interview and reader's advisory services. Provides feedback and ideas to the General Librarian and/or the Assistant Community Library Manager on collection development.
• Monitors the public service floor. Assembles and arranges displays of books and other library materials.
• Maintains reference and circulation materials.
• Publicizes programs. Participates in the planning and conducting of programs.
• May support a Librarian with performing outreach to community organizations informing them of library services and to develop partnerships for collaboration. Maintains and cultivates contact with local community based organizations.
• Supports and participates in the Library's efforts to create opportunities for adults to contribute to the library through venues such as volunteering, social media postings, blogs, book clubs, etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The schedule for this position will include Saturdays and evenings.

Required Education, Certifications And Experience

LIBRARIAN REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• MLS/MLIS degree from an ALA-accredited library school.
• New York State Public Librarian's Certificate.
• Must have the ability to work with a diverse population and effectively provide customer service to a large number of customers simultaneously.
• Commitment to serving all communities in the most diverse area of the country.
• Must be proficient with using Microsoft Office, internet searching/technology, personal computers, and other related technology skills.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Must work successfully in a team environment.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for customer and public service.

LIBRARIAN PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Public Library experience.
• Fluency with languages other than English.

LIBRARIAN TRAINEE REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be enrolled in a Master of Library Science/Master of Library Information Science program from an ALA-accredited library school and have completed a minimum of 9 credits.
• A New York State Public Librarian's Certificate is required immediately upon completion of the MLS/MLIS degree.
• Must have the ability to work with a diverse population and effectively provide excellent customer service to a large number of library users simultaneously.

• Commitment to serving all communities in the most diverse area of the country.

• Excellent computer, communication and organizational skills required.